SDF refutes communal allegations; slams ruling front for political targeting

GANGTOK,: Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has strongly refuted allegations of communal intent against party president and former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, following his recent comments on the upcoming caste-based national census.

At a press conference held on Thursday, SDF spokesperson Krishna Kharel clarified that Chamling’s statement regarding the census was not targeted at any specific community but addressed concerns relevant to the entire Sikkimese population. “It is important that before the census is conducted, all communities and their associations hold discussions to ensure that the culture, heritage, traditions, and identity of every Sikkimese citizen are protected,” said Kharel.

He criticized the All Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) for reacting hastily and accusing the SDF and its president without understanding the broader issue.

A majority of the Sikkimese Khas community is registered with the Registrar General of India (RGI) as Chettri and Bahun…if 'Khas' comes into force, will that not fragment the community and harm our collective identity? Kharel questioned.

Kharel further alleged that ASKCBKS is behaving like a frontal organization of the ruling party.

“It is unjust that a welfare association, meant to work for the community’s development, appears to be aligned politically. The association quickly reacts when it's about the opposition, but remains silent during incidents like those at Gyalshing College or cases involving Dr. M.K. Sharma, Keshav Sapkota, or Samson Tamang,” he said.

“While aligning with a political party is an individual’s democratic right, associations must prioritize community welfare over political loyalties.”

Reinforcing the party’s stance, SDF spokesperson Yojna Khaling condemned what she described as an “anti-women” remark made by the ruling party. She stated that the ruling party's comments on Komal Chamling’s official entry into politics reveal their fear and insecurity.

“The all-male spokesperson team’s attempt to belittle and attack the dignity of a woman is unacceptable. This only confirms that the SKM is a male-dominated party. Their public support for women's empowerment rings hollow when they themselves violate those ideals,” she asserted, referencing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Meanwhile, SDF spokesperson Rikzing Norbu Dorjee Bhutia addressed issues related to organic farming. He urged SKM leaders to fully review Chamling’s address on organic agriculture before commenting. “We have always credited Sikkim’s farmers for their dedication in making the State the first and only organic State in India. Unfortunately, the organic certification has now been revoked due to its misuse,” he noted.

“This is an era of technology and AI. The ruling party must carry out field-level, research-based initiatives instead of politicizing everything. Politics should be about service to the people—not personal gain or ticket distribution,” Bhutia added. He also criticized former SDF members who have joined the ruling party and now advise the opposition, stating that such actions lack integrity.

“The SKM must stop blaming the SDF for every issue. It’s time they move beyond the past and fulfill their promises to the people as outlined in their election manifesto,” he stated.